AFTER a weekend to forget, Dorchester’s two senior sides are back in league action against Salisbury’s second and third XVs respectively.

The county town first team entertain Salisbury Seconds in Dorset & Wilts One South, with Dorchester lying fourth, while Salisbury sit second with an extra game played.

Dorchester will be keen to get back to winning ways after the away defeat to Wimborne Seconds last weekend – their first loss since November.

The hard tackling James Franzen steps into the centre looking to keep the midfield at bay. Dorchester’s Lee King returns to continue his second row partnership with Adam Makepeace, and a shuffle of the backs sees Matt Fry on the wing while Matt Read drops in at full-back.

The evergreen Tom Gower makes an appearance on the bench following his man of the match exploits in the recent second XV Shield final.

Coaches Ben Parker and Rich Bament said: “After last week’s result we need to get straight back into it and put in a good performance as we have recently against Yeovil and Bournemouth.

“Our ambition of a top three finish is still achievable, and the next five games are crucial to a strong and successful finish this season.”

Kick off for the first team game at Coburg Road is 2.15pm, so all supporters and players alike can then watch the Calcutta Cup battle between England and Scotland on the big screen

  • THIS weekend sees plenty of great action in the youth section of Dorchester Rugby Club.

On Saturday, the mini section host touring sides from Keynsham, while Sunday sees two big games for the club’s under-15s and under-16s.

The highly successful under-15 side, who are currently Dorset champions, entertain Chippenham, who are the current Wiltshire champions.

Anyone who wants to see the future of Dorchester Rugby Club is encouraged to go and support the team in the semi-final clash for the Dorset & Wilts Cup.

At the same time the under-16s also take on Lytchett Minster in the Dorset & Wilts Cup. Both games kick off at 11am.